The research was carried out in collaboration with other European groups as part of the European fusion program. The report presents the results of the investigations of the materials we have prepared as part of this project in their laboratories. Mechanical properties in the range of 25-1000 ° C were measured at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, thermal conductivity in the same temperature range p at the National Institute of Materials Physics, Bucharest. Samples with the best properties were then tested at the Forschungstcentrum Juelich at high heat fluxes.
D.06 Final report on a foreign/international project
COBISS.SI-ID: 31078439In this work we have studied the tungsten carbide in view of potential application as a structural material for DEMO divertor or as a beneficial inclusion in tungsten metal. Tungsten carbide exhibits some characteristics placing the material among the potentially applicable in fusion devices. Bulk binderless WC melts at very high temperature and is significantly more resistant to oxidation than W. Its flexural strength is higher in a wide temperature range. Moreover, the retention of deuterium is lower than that for tungsten. Its main drawback is poor toughness, which is the topic of further study. In addition to optimisation of the microstructure, toughening of WC by low activation metals or alloy (Ni-based binder alloy and high-entropy alloys) have been also studied. In this way, we improved the mechanical properties, but the stability in high heat fluxes deteriorated.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 32867367The paper reports on feasibility study with the aim to prepare SiCreinforced W-based composite for application in divertor of a fusion reactor DEMO. Microstructural analyses revealed that at hightemperatures SiC fibers react with W to form brittle W-silicide that is unfavourable for the mechanical properties of the material.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 30538279